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Missing General Cargo Ship over 25 years of age in Black Sea., A General Cargo vessel, flag - foreign, GRT- 3009t, built in 1982, owned and managed by foreign shipping company completed loading of steel billets on 16.02. 2008
Applicable to:
All Indian seafarers, companies, and MTIs
Effective Date:
17.07.2009
Superseded Circulars:
None
Key Changes and Requirements
1. Vessel Details and Incident
A 3009 GRT foreign flag general cargo ship, built in 1982, was lost in the Black Sea on 18.02.2008 with 25 crew. The vessel sailed from a Russian port in heavy weather, with winds up to force 9 on the Beaufort Scale.
2. Observations and Lessons Learned
- Master's Judgment: Underestimated weather conditions and sailed in severe weather.
- Cargo Securing: Heavy density cargo was not secured according to the approved cargo securing manual.
- Distress Signals: Vessel was equipped with GMDSS systems but no distress signals were sent.
- Crew Qualifications: Chief engineer and 2nd officer did not have appropriate licenses or experience.
Recommendations:
- Masters to consider weather impact and cargo shift risks.
- Harbor authorities to collect evidence of cargo securing arrangements.
- Masters to participate in local ship reporting systems.
- Flag administrations to exercise effective control over registered ships.
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